USC defense's 'NFL speed' wows Pirates

Oct. 9, 2012

Written by

Charles Bennett

Special Correspondent

COLUMBIA — After watching his team fold under the superior numbers of No. 9-ranked South Carolina, East Carolina coach Ruffin McNeill had this to say about the Gamecocks.

“They’re a really good team. We didn’t need to help them,” McNeill said, referring to the Pirates’ five turnovers in their 48-10 loss to the Gamecocks on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

However, one man’s giveaways are another man’s takeaways, and South Carolina defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward was gratified to see his team transfer something he has been preaching from day one in practice to the playing field.

“We try to teach them the fundamentals of taking the football,” Ward said. “We would like to have interceptions, but we can create turnovers by taking the ball from the offense also. It’s exciting to see that happen.”

USC came up with four interceptions and forced a fumble. Three of the turnovers loomed big on the scoreboard.

Legree returned an interception 34 yards for a score.

An interception by Shaq Wilson set the Gamecocks up at the East Carolina 29 and led to a touchdown.

South Carolina thwarted an ECU scoring opportunity when Brison Williams came up with an interception at the Gamecocks’ 7-yard line.

“Everything the coaches gave us in practice is what East Carolina did in the game, so we were prepared,” Wilson said.

East Carolina managed 70 yards rushing and averged 2.9 yards. Although the Pirates passed for 333 yards, USC’s pressure up front helped produce the turnovers and three sacks.

“Give credit to the opponent,” McNeill said. “They did a good job fighting off blocks and having great gap integrity. They did a good job up front of not giving us the run.”

McNeill said USC was every bit as good defensively as they appeared to be on film.

“They’re rangy, lengthy, they have speed,” he said. “Lorenzo is a very good play-caller. He did a good job today. Opportunistic personifies them to me.

“They’ve got size and speed on defense. NFL speed. They’re a very talented football team. Well-coached. A definite SEC contender.”